In January, Oslo-based artiste Leo sent a video greeting to one of Ghana’s most recognized producers: sLimBO.

“sLimBO, I am waiting for you to contact me. I really like you and you have to hit me up,” he said.

Today, they work together.

sLimBO, who is also an artiste, is an uncontested talent in the Ghanaian music industry.

His productions for artistes like Pappy Kojo, Joey B, E.L, Obrafour, Kwaw Kese and Edem has led Reggie Rockstone and Hammer of the Last Two fame — both accredited legends and pioneers of the music style hip-life — to publicly declare sLimBO “the future of Ghanaian hip-hop” and “the best thing to happen to Ghana.”

Eighteen-year-old Leo has become visible on the Norwegian music scene after emigrating to Norway from Ghana in 2015. Since his first performance at a school show in 2016, he has released three songs, became part of the hip-hop group GRT, and performed at several of the main venues in Oslo, notably Rockefeller, Sentrum Scene and Parkteatret Scene.

Leo says the collaboration with sLimBO means a lot for the continuation of his musical career.

“I have always wanted to connect my music to Ghana and I think working on a song with sLimBO will be a great way to do that. I danced to his productions in Ghana and I dance to them here in Norway. And now I am going to be on a song with him. It’s crazy and I’m really excited.”

Also, sLimBO expresses enthusiasm over the collaboration. He says he noticed Leo’s sincere excitement and that he always connects with his true fans. sLimBO, who is known for an experimental style that knows no boundaries, adds that it is always invigorating for him to expand his creativity and to be introduced to a whole new market. On the question of what we can expect from the collaboration, his answer is resolute: “What I’m best known for — a hit song.”

Leo’s third song, Vi flyr — a joint with Norway’s Gringo9 — would be released on February 8.

*This article is part of an editorial collaboration with the web platform susidus.org

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